The Atlanta Hawks have clinched the No. 1 pick in the 2024 NBA Draft, defying the odds and winning the Draft Lottery. This incredible achievement came despite finishing tenth in the Eastern Conference with a record of 36-46 and failing to advance to the playoffs after participating in the play-in tournament.
The Hawks’ chances of landing the top pick were only at a 3% chance, making their victory all the more surprising. In fact, only four teams in NBA history have won the lottery with shorter odds than the Hawks, with Orlando Magic holding the record at 1.52% in 1993. If they decide to keep it, this will be their fourth time since drafting David Thompson in 1975 to select first overall.
Following behind them are Washington Wizards, who will receive the second pick, while Detroit Pistons secured fifth place with high odds of landing one of the top picks. Houston Rockets and San Antonio Spurs also received third and fourth place respectively. Despite having had one of the worst records in league history, Pistons still managed to secure a high selection in this year’s draft.
Unlike previous years, there is no clear standout player that has emerged as a clear-cut top overall pick this year. French basketball players Zaccharie Risacher and Alex Sarr are among those considered to be two of
